Tensions High, But Chaminade Cruises to Win

They squeezed more than 1,200 spectators into Chaminade High’s gymnasium for Friday night’s Mission League game against rival Crespi.

The game became so emotional that Coaches Dick Dornan of Crespi and Jeff Young of Chaminade briefly argued in the third quarter, with both having to be restrained.

The outcome was never in doubt. Chaminade received 19 points from Ryan Arceo, 15 points from Scott Borchart and 12 points from Tito Hill in cruising to a 67-52 victory over the Celts.

Young remembered his team being upset by Crespi in last year’s league opener and vowed not to let the Celts use emotion to duplicate their feat. Strong defense on Crespi’s top shooter, Andrew Moore, who made just five of 13 shots, keyed the victory. Pat Casella led Crespi (8-7, 0-2) with 23 points.

The coaches’ duel erupted with 2:40 left in the third quarter when Borchart was fouled and suffered a cut on the head.

“[Dornan] came right at me,” Young said. “I’m not going to back down. I was upset I had a kid hurt.”

Maybe both coaches were showing off for the Chaminade security guard sitting in the first row, actor Beau Bridges.

Chaminade (9-4, 1-0) won’t have much time to celebrate. Up next is a Monday showdown with Harvard-Westlake and star guard Russell Lakey.